Spirit of Youth

Mika is a dedicated high school student whose passion for helping others is evident in her impactful projects. As a freshman, she organized a month-long School Community Book Drive, collecting over 900 books for the Fairbanks Literacy Council to promote literacy and encourage community involvement. Mika handled every detail, from creating fliers to coordinating collections.

As a sophomore, Mika co-led the Sources of Strength Club and hosted a movie night fundraiser for the local Women’s Shelter. The event brought the community together, collecting essential items like hats and toiletries for women in need. Mika’s compassion and dedication make her a powerful advocate for positive change.

• Home Town Fairbanks
• School District FNSBSD
• Award Category Humanitarian

Daniel is an extraordinary youth leader making a profound impact on his community. He has spearheaded various initiatives, including reforesting the Amazon Rainforest, serving as a soup kitchen volunteer, and working as a pro-bono dialect coach for Anchorage community theatre actors. However, his most inspiring accomplishment is his unwavering support for neurodivergent youth in Anchorage’s theatre community.

Daniel has acted as a mentor, advocate, and emotional support for a young autistic actor, helping him succeed in theater despite significant challenges. He rearranged his own commitments to provide individualized backstage support, enabling the actor to perform confidently and achieve his dreams. Daniel’s efforts have sparked conversations within the theatre community about creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent participants and inspired further initiatives to support young people with diverse needs. His creativity, dedication, and advocacy demonstrate his exceptional leadership and compassion.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Phoenix, Role Model

Jusse’ll Watkins-Roberton exemplifies resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Despite social anxiety, she has participated in events like the Disability Awareness Art Show and her high school’s winter bazaar, confidently selling her original crochet art. Her thoughtful pricing and customer engagement highlight her maturity and determination.

Using creativity as a tool for emotional regulation, Jusse’ll repurposes yarn, including materials from her great-grandmother, to craft unique and imaginative pieces. By sharing her art and openly discussing the challenges of anxiety, she inspires others to take risks and embrace growth. With plans to establish an online shop and save for the future, Jusse’ll is a model of grit, resilience, and authentic living.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Visionary
• Radio Story Listen to Jusse’ll's story here

The Dimond Green Effects NOAA Ocean Guardian Club has made a significant environmental impact, removing over 1,400 pounds of marine debris from Prince William Sound and over 1,000 pounds of trash from their campus. They successfully advocated for a community recycling trailer, maintain a robust school recycling program, and educate peers on responsible consumption and marine conservation.

The club also engages younger students through coral reef tank tours and inspires sustainable action by turning ocean plastics into lumber. Their efforts align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #12 and #14, and graduating members proudly wear emerald green cords to celebrate their contributions.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Discovery

Abigail is a leader and role model in her community and a member of the Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska (YAHA), where she provides thoughtful feedback to improve youth-focused public health initiatives. As sophomore class president and junior Region 2 Representative for the Alaska Association of Student Governments, she organizes fundraisers, advocates for peers, and promotes student engagement. Abigail also runs an after-school basketball camp for younger students and volunteers at community events like swap meets and school tournaments. Her efforts create meaningful opportunities for connection and growth, fostering a supportive environment and inspiring youth in her rural community.

• Home Town Denali Park
• School District Denali Borough School District
• Award Category Role Model

Kanna is a dynamic youth leader and co-founder of The Lynx Initiative (TLI), which gives Anchorage middle school students early access to STEM programs. Through TLI, she helps young students explore science and technology. Kanna also supports environmental conservation, joining beach clean-ups with the Ocean Club and promoting sustainability with Dimond’s Green Effects. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines in her creation of 3D-printed items, which she sells to fund TLI. Kanna’s dedication to STEM, environmental advocacy, and fundraising shows her strong commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Role Model, Discovery

Hunter, president of Dimond Robotics, has expanded STEM access for Anchorage youth. He has volunteered over 120 hours this year, mentoring multiple FIRST LEGO League teams. Hunter co-founded The Lynx Initiative (TLI) to create robotics programs for underserved students. As the youngest board member of the Alaska Museum of Science & Nature, he champions youth-led initiatives in STEM. His leadership helps Anchorage youth gain confidence and engage with STEM. Hunter’s work creates a supportive environment where students grow and realize their potential.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Innovator

Nikkeah is a dedicated and generous member of the Indigenous Club, where she actively engages in learning and sharing about various Indigenous cultures, languages, arts, and songs. Known for her positivity and willingness to support her peers, she embodies a strong work ethic and a commitment to her community. In the club, Nikkeah participates in important discussions on issues like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, showing a deep understanding of the importance of awareness and education around this sensitive topic. Her dedication makes her an inspiring role model within the club and beyond.

• Home Town Eagle river
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Role Model

Dimond Robotics, a student-led team from Dimond High School, is transforming STEM access in Anchorage through The Lynx Initiative (TLI). Recognizing disparities in STEM opportunities, they developed TLI to make hands-on learning and robotics teams accessible to underserved youth. Hunter and Kanna, the driving force behind TLI, spent months researching STEM access gaps and started programs at Mountain View Elementary to reach kids who might not otherwise have this opportunity. Their efforts have grown from one community team to three, mentoring younger students and securing funding for sustainability. These programs not only teach robotics but also promote teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. The success of their mentorship includes Mountain View Elementary receiving the Breakthrough Award for their “Stuck Duck” project. Hunter and Kanna’s leadership and dedication are empowering Anchorage youth and reshaping the future of STEM access in the community.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Innovator, Role Model

Josiah has dedicated three summers to the Kake Alaska Youth Steward (AYS) crew as both a crew member and assistant leader. Since 2022, he has contributed to environmental restoration, ancestral land stewardship, and cultural projects. His work includes restoring fish habitats, building the first traditional shellfish garden in Southeast Alaska, and addressing invasive species. Josiah stands out for his commitment to supporting his team and community—uplifting others, assisting elders at gatherings, and making everyone feel included. His contributions to local food security, environmental preservation, and cultural continuity have made a meaningful impact on Kake.

• Home Town Kake
• School District Kake City Schools
• Award Category Discovery
• Radio Story Listen to Josiah's story here

Dominic Blair took on a leading role as narrator in the SHI theater workshop, held over spring break in Ketchikan, where he inspired others by showing pride in his Alaska Native identity. Throughout the production, Dominic exemplified a strong work ethic and encouraged his peers, offering support to those struggling with lines or performance nerves. This play was a special opportunity to uplift Alaska Native youth by bringing a Tsimshian story to life on stage, and Dominic was a positive role model, motivating others to do their best. His dedication helped create a supportive atmosphere, celebrating indigenous excellence and leadership.

• Home Town Ketchikan
• School District Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Dreamer, Role Model

Teagann, now in her second term as student body president, has shown exceptional leadership by creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment. Her initiative to establish an on-campus weight room has given students and families in the community a much-needed space for fitness, especially valuable in their rural Alaskan village where fitness facilities are scarce. As varsity volleyball captain and a student taking college courses alongside high school, Teagann leads by example, balancing her commitments while encouraging her peers to excel. Through student government, she organizes community events that bring together people from all parts of the village, fostering a sense of belonging and lifting the morale of even the most remote members.

• Home Town Port Alsworth
• School District Lake & Peninsula School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Knud is a dedicated volunteer who makes a profound impact on youth-led, trauma-informed projects at REACH 907. His work starts well before camp, as he prepares supplies and logistics, ensuring everything is ready for these critical programs. At camp, Knud connects directly with at-risk youth, offering support, guidance, and compassion. This summer, he even served as a mentor, helping young people find hope and build resilience. By building trust and showing genuine care, Knud empowers these youth to feel valued, helping to foster positive futures.

• Home Town Chugiak
• School District Anchorage School District (homeschooled)
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

The STAR Team, made up of grades 6-8, promotes mental health awareness and suicide prevention among middle school students. STAR stands for Saving Teens at Risk, and encourages students to Share, Tell, Ask, and Reach out when someone needs help. Throughout the year, the team presents suicide prevention slideshows in each homeroom, teaching students to recognize warning signs and seek help. Eighth-grade STAR members also give anti-bullying presentations to 5th graders to help them prepare for middle school. STAR students promote a drug-free lifestyle during Red Ribbon Week and set an example of positive citizenship for their peers.

• Home Town Palmer
• School District MSBSD
• Award Category Life Saver
• Radio Story Listen to the STAR Team's story here

As senior student council president, Braxton is a friendly and hardworking leader who sets a positive tone for his peers in Aleknagik. His dedication shines through his volunteer work, from helping with school fundraisers to motivating his teammates as co-captain of the basketball team. Beyond school, he proudly wears the title of “uncle,” guiding his nieces and nephew with kindness and wisdom, and always making time to teach and play with them. Braxton’s influence as a role model inspires both his peers and family to strive for their best.

• Home Town Dillingham
• School District Southwest region schools
• Award Category Role Model

Arthur Frank, president of Craig High School, brings positivity and kindness to his school and community. He’s dedicated to supporting school activities, finding new ways to fund sports, and inspiring others with his drive and generosity. Outside of school, Arthur volunteers regularly, helps with community projects, and even runs his own wood-selling business. Known for his hard work and empathy, he often visits local elders to see if they need firewood, groceries, or any help. Arthur’s dedication and compassion make him a respected and valued member of the Craig community.

• Home Town Hollis
• School District Craig City School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Quinzee has volunteered over 100 hours with Challenge Alaska Adaptive Ski & Ride School, becoming a certified sit-ski instructor and inspiring friends to join. As the program’s most dedicated volunteer under 18, she focuses on student safety and confidence, helping them fit harnesses, ride the chairlift, and overcome fears. Her commitment grew even stronger after her brother’s recent accident left him with quadriplegic paralysis. Quinzee’s passion for adaptive recreation shines through her work, breaking down barriers and empowering people with disabilities to experience freedom and joy on the slopes.

• Home Town anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Holly is a remarkable 16-year-old who has stepped up to care for her family during tough times. Instead of working to save for driving school, she stays home to look after her younger sister, ensuring her family stays together and stable. Holly supports anyone who needs a friend and gives selflessly. After her father’s car accident, she prepared his meals, checked on him daily, and managed the groceries and cooking. With dreams of becoming a massage therapist and chiropractor, Holly is already well on her way to a life of caring for others.

• Home Town Anchorage
• School District Anchorage School District
• Award Category Phoenix, Role Model

Bailee teaches and models Yupik dance to youth and community members, leading performances at most community events. She fishes and preserves salmon in the summer, hunts moose and Spruce hens, and gathers plants and berries. Bailee shares her harvests generously with Elders, family, and the community. In 2023, she represented Bristol Bay at the Elders and Youth Conference. She works to preserve traditional Yupik dance and subsistence living, passing on vital knowledge. Her efforts help her community stay connected to their culture and access essential resources.

• Home Town Dillingham
• School District Dillingham City School District
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model

Annabella leads as a committed community volunteer, promoting anti-bullying and supporting those in need. She actively participates in Sources of Strength, cross country, volleyball, and the BRAVE anti-bullying program. She promotes anti-bullying through presentations, book readings, and has sent over 65 packages with positive messages to all 50 states. Annabella organized and donated more than 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to foster care. Passionate about addressing bullying, encouraging volunteerism, and inspiring positive change, she regularly bakes for the local Food Bank and Bread Line, always finding new ways to make a difference in her community.

• Home Town Fairbanks
• School District North Star
• Award Category Humanitarian, Role Model